CONTROLS

In this illuminating episode, Karl Zartarian, Regional VP at Barron Lighting Group, joins the show to discuss innovation, strategy, and the evolving landscape of emergency and specialty lighting. From anti-ligature exit signs for institutional settings to RGBW panels with DMX controls, Karl shares practical insights and real-world applications that are shaping the future of lighting. Read more

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained in negative territory in June with a score of 46.8, down from 47.2 in May as more firms reported a decrease in billing. Inquiries into new projects increased for the second consecutive month and grew at the strongest pace since last fall with a score of 53.6, indicating clients are starting to send out RFPs and initiate conversations with architecture firms about potential projects after a lull since mid-winter. Read more

In this compelling episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, we welcome Chris Bocchiaro—a dynamic force in the lighting industry with a career spanning theatrical roots, integration expertise, and public-facing light art installations. From his beginnings in Boston theater to managing landmark lighting projects, Chris shares how inside sales launched his journey, how integration reshaped his perspective, and why collaboration and creativity are key to successful lighting controls. Read more

LEDucation is accepting speaker proposals for its 2026 Conference, taking place April 14–15 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. Virtual sessions will be hosted the week prior to the in-person event. LEDucation is renowned for its dynamic presentations, lively panel discussions, and compelling case studies that dive into the most pressing and emerging issues in the lighting industry. The conference highlights groundbreaking technologies, the latest regulatory updates, key industry challenges, and exciting new lighting trends. Read more

The Current Conditions component continued its upward trajectory in June, rising to 60.0 after rebounding to 57.7 in May from a low of 16.7 in April. Sentiment improved notably, with 40 percent of respondents indicating that conditions were “better,” compared to 23 percent in May. Meanwhile, 40 percent reported conditions remained “unchanged,” and 20 percent said they were “worse.” Respondents commented that their businesses are accepting the uncertainty around tariffs and the economy, and are cautiously moving forward as orders increase. Read more

The summer edition of Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, took place June 18–21, welcomed more new buyers including retailers, interior designers, and industry professionals. Lightovation also included Design + Build Day, which took place on June 17 and offered a first look at new lighting trends for architects, builders, and designers. This June edition of Lightovation welcomed an increase in new buyers the Central U.S. and the Northeast, highlighting Lightovation’s expanding reach and relevance. Read more

In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, Webster and Ron sit down with Wes Hacking, a lighting control specialist at Cooper Electric, to unpack how distributors can evolve into high-value integrators. From Wes’s theatrical lighting roots to his hands-on lab in Manhattan, he shares how Cooper Electric offers design-build services, in-house programming, and real-world problem-solving—well beyond the typical distributor role. Read more

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained in negative territory in May with a score of 47.2, up from 43.2 in April. Any score below 50 indicates a billings decline, although this month’s score indicates that somewhat fewer firms reported a decline in billings in May than in April. Inquiries into new work increased this month for the first time since January, reflecting the modest degree of stabilization in the economy recently. Read more

he grid of the future is being built today, and electrical manufacturers are playing a key role by deploying innovative technologies and investments to strengthen America’s energy resilience. The impact of data centers and AI advancements on achieving this reliable future grid was a timely topic of discussion during today’s NEMA-Semafor event, “Powering Our AI Future.” Read more